Craps Instructions

Basic Craps Instructions

Newbies often take one look at the seemingly complex layout of a craps table and immediately go elsewhere to gamble. Our basic craps instructions below should serve as a good introduction for you, because playing craps is definitely not as complicated as it often seems. It’s all about the dice!

Basic Objective:

The basic idea behind Craps is to establish a “point” number and roll that number again (as many times as possible) before rolling a 7 (craps). Only the numbers 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10 can be a point number and all other rolls on the dice have special meanings depending on when they are rolled (before or after a point is established).

Joining a craps game (buying in):

If there’s a free spot, mosey on up to join or maybe even watch a few rounds before you join in (as long as you’re not preventing others who want to play from using the spot). Joining a craps game may be a bit different from some other table games, simply because you may need to get the dealer’s attention. When the dice aren’t rolling or are about to be rolled, put your money on the table and say “change” in a clear voice. A dealer will give you chips in whatever denomination you request. As quickly as you can without holding up the game for too long, place your bet(s) and wait for the roll.

The Roll:

“Shooting” is optional. If the stickman offers you the dice, simply choose two and throw, or decline the offer (the person next to you will be offered the dice). Each throw of the dice is called a “roll”. Players take turns rolling the dice clockwise around the table, and the player rolling at any given time is called the “shooter“. When a new shooter is given the dice, his or her first roll is called the “Come Out” roll. This begins a new series of rolls by that shooter and lasts for as long as that shooter continues to make winning rolls.

Throwing the dice:

Throw the dice hard enough to hit the backwall at the end of the other table. This is very very important. Dice that don’t bounce off this backwall may be considered a ‘no roll‘ and this could make you quite unpopular among the ‘crew‘ and other players. People also are typically not fond of time-consuming rituals before the dice are thrown. Keep your hands in sight at all times when holding the dice (so security doesn’t think you’re trying to switch them) and keep your hands off the layout when others are throwing (so you don’t interfere with a throw).

Read our continuation part of craps instructions where we offer details on craps betting.